What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lone
Example
The lone wolf howled at the moon. [lone: adjective]
Example
He was the lone survivor of the shipwreck. [lone: adjective]
Example
She preferred to work alone, as she was a lone ranger. [alone: adverb]
solitary
Example
The prisoner spent years in solitary confinement. [solitary: adjective]
Example
She enjoyed taking solitary walks in the forest. [solitary: adjective]
Example
He was a solitary man who kept to himself most of the time. [solitary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lone is more commonly used than solitary in everyday language. Lone is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while solitary is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lone and solitary?
Both lone and solitary are relatively formal words, but lone is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while solitary is more commonly used in formal writing or speech.
